We are incredibly proud to be celebrating our 30th year in business.
Reaching this milestone gives us a real opportunity to look back on how far we have come since we were established on 4th March 1996. When we started, we had a simple belief. Storage and handling systems could, and should, perform better. That belief has shaped every decision we have made over the last three decades and it has served us well.
Today, we are proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading integrators of automated storage solutions.
From installations of static racking and shelving in our early years to delivering fully automated, software-led systems across complex and regulated environments, our journey has been defined by constant evolution, a determination to improve and a commitment to improving our clients’ business.
We have never been afraid to push boundaries.
As industries changed, so did we. We pioneered 2-way shuttles with the first semi-automated shuttle in Scotland, and then subsequently, what was the largest shuttle installation in the UK.
We developed innovative solutions for niche markets. We invested in automation when others hesitated. We scoured the world to find and partner with companies that are developing the best and most innovative storage solutions.
We embraced intelligent software, developing our own MAxIQ orchestration software and a team of highly skilled engineers to deliver smarter, more resilient storage solutions with a more responsive support resource.
Each step forward was driven by a desire to help our clients operate more efficiently, more safely and with greater confidence.
Across food and drink, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, manufacturing, defence and logistics, we have worked with organisations that demand high performance.
Our focus has always been the same. Design and deliver solutions that genuinely improve our clients’ businesses. Increase capacity. Improve throughput. Maximise efficiency. Strengthen operational resilience and deliver incredible ROI
But technology alone does not build a company.
Our greatest achievement over the last 30 years has been achieved through our people. The engineers, project managers, designers, installation teams, software specialists and support staff, who have dedicated their expertise and energy to delivering exceptional results. Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to high standards are the reason we hold the reputation we do today.
We are especially proud that so many of our team have chosen to build long careers with us. That loyalty speaks volumes about the culture we have created and the values we share. Their experience, knowledge and steady leadership have shaped our journey, and their contribution to our success is deeply valued and sincerely appreciated.
We also remember and honour those colleagues who have moved on and those that are no longer with us. Their contribution helped build the foundations of Thistle Systems. Their impact is still felt in the culture and values we carry forward.
Most importantly, we want to thank our clients and supply chain partners. Thousands of organisations have trusted us with their projects over the last three decades. Many have worked with us repeatedly.
Some have been with us from the very beginning. That loyalty is never taken for granted. It is earned through collaboration, integrity and consistent performance.
Thirty years is a proud milestone. It represents long-term relationships, continuous improvement and shared success. But we see it not as a finish line, but as a foundation for the future.
The demands on storage and automation are only increasing. Warehouses are constrained. Efficiency and client expectations are higher than ever. Compliance standards continue to tighten. We are excited by these challenges. They drive us to innovate, refine and push forward once again.
We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together over the last 30 years. And we are even more excited about what comes next.
Here’s to the next chapter.
